from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) -THE Zambian government maintains hope that the former president, Edgar Lungu, would be buried in the country.
Lungu’s family last week announced the deceased would be buried in South Africa, where he passed away on June 5, 2025 as he was receiving medical attention.
This is unprecedented and the aftermath of a fallout between Lungu and his successor, current president, Hakainde Hichilema.
On Sunday (yesterday) Hichilema received a courtesy call from Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Lamola conveyed condolences from his president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the people of South Africa on the passing of the sixth Republican president, Lungu.
“We held a meaningful and respectful discussion regarding the burial of the late President, during which we reaffirmed our firm position that His Excellency Mr Lungu should be laid to rest in his homeland, the Republic of Zambia,” Hichilema said.
Hichilema extended Zambia’s gratitude to South Africa for the care extended to Lungu during his period of illness.
“We also express our apologies to the South African National Defence Force for the unexpected challenges surrounding the repatriation of the late President’s remains on Wednesday, 18th June 2025,” he said.
This past weekend, some officials from Lungu’s opposition Patriotic Front (PF) started arriving in South Africa for the burial, at a date and venue yet to be announced.
These include party deputy president, Given Lubinda, who was Lungu’s vice.
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) defended the government’s stance during the deadlock with PF and the Lungu family.
Mark Simuuwe, UPND spokesperson, said the party reaffirmed its dedication to preserving the peace that Zambia had long been known for.
“We call on all Zambians, regardless of political persuasion, to join hands in safeguarding that peace, with honesty and goodwill,” he said.
– CAJ News